Touched (The Untouched Trilogy #2)(87)

He smoothly mounted the bike and looked at me. “Lift your skirt and hop on.”

“Easy for you to say,” I mumbled. I lifted my skirt as much as I could without flashing any passersby and placed one foot over the side of the bike and settled in behind him.

“Grab my waist,” he instructed.

I reached forward and wrapped my arms around his rock hard frame, inhaling as I leaned in. He started the bike and looked to the left. I followed his glance; the street was free of any cars. He turned, facing forward and we were off.

There were no vibrations of any kind, whatsoever. I hadn’t expected that. I laid my head on his back enjoying the feel of his body enveloped in leather. I was marginally worried but to a lesser degree than I had initially anticipated. I watched the scenery flash by as we exited the city limits of Boston. We slowed as we came to a stop at a traffic light. Aiden reached back sliding his hand up and down my thigh. “Are you okay?” he asked.

“Yes, I’m fine.” I replied, smiling. I didn’t know where we were going but the ride getting there was certainly a seductive one.

We slowed as we reached an open area near a large tree. I looked over to see waiters dressed in serving attire standing dutifully beside a blanketed meal, complete with a canopy and heated lamps. I clambered off the bike as gracefully as was possible and lifted my helmet as Aiden placed the bike on the kickstand. He removed his helmet and grabbed me, pulling me into a kiss.

“Did you enjoy the ride?” he asked, releasing me from his embrace.

Slow chills ran through me as I shook off the effects of his kiss. “I did,” I replied, gauging his reaction.

“See, spontaneity is good for you Aria.”

He reached for my hand, interlacing his fingers with mine as we walked toward the blanket.

“Good evening, Mr. Raine,” said the man dressed like a ma?tre de.

“Good evening, Jason,” Aiden replied.

His surprises always swept me away. Everything was elegantly displayed. On the ground, close to the tree, was a large ascot picnic blanket embellished with several oversized throw pillows. There was a bottle of wine chilling alongside a platter of fruit. There was even soft music playing in the background.

“Sir, we’ve prepared Olives in Paprika Sauce, Gin Marinated Potatoes, Asian Wraps with Peanut Sauce, Lentil Spinach Salad, and the wine is a 2008 Bienvenues Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru,” Jason said.

“Thank you. I appreciate your attention to my last minute request,” Aiden said.

“Of course, sir. Unless there is something else you need, we’ll leave you to your privacy,” he replied.

“Is there anything you think you would need Aria?” Aiden asked.

“No, I think you’ve got us covered,” I replied. He typically thought of everything; today was no different.

We finished our meal as the sun began to set. Aiden stretched out, laying his head in my lap and stared up at me. It was quiet; I sighed contently as I reveled in this perfect moment.

“So I was thinking – would you like to drive us back?” he asked.

I laughed. “I know you’re kidding, right?”

“Nope, you’re a very quick learner; I can teach you in only a few minutes.”

“And you would let me guide us back, without reservation?”

“I trust you.”

“Well I’m glad to hear that but you shouldn’t trust me with this, especially if you’d like to make your Monday morning meeting in Denver in one piece.”

“Of course, I’m kidding, but seriously would you like to learn?” he asked.

“Hmmm. I don’t know. I never really thought about it.”

“Well don’t think about it now. Just say yes. I’ll teach you and when you’re comfortable, we could ride together sometimes when I’m in town.”

I sighed.

“What is it?” he asked.

“Nothing. I just don’t like the thought of you being gone so much,” I said.

“I thought we talked about this, you don’t have anything to worry about.”

“I know you’ve told me that but it never seems that way when you’re gone and I don’t hear from you for several days.” It reminded me too much of the anxious feeling that subconsciously tortured me for years as I waited for Dad’s return.

“That was then Aria. You’ve explained how that makes you feel and I’ve heard you and I understand so we’re doing things differently. Let’s not think about that right now. I want you to enjoy this day. Are you?”

“Yes. I am … very much. This was really nice. I love your surprises,” I said, looking down at him, softly moving my palm along his chiseled jaw.

“I hope to always surprise you. I can’t have you losing interest.”

I think if our dates were to consist of our watching grass grow, I’d never lose interest. “Little chance of that happening Mr. Raine. You’re my pineapple juice supplier remember?”

“Ah, yes. That’s right. Speaking of which, why don’t you do that thing that I told you earlier that you’re good at?” he asked.

I smiled at him confused. He lifted a brow suggestively and the content of his request was apparent.

I looked around and noticed that the staff had wondered off into the distance. “You can’t possibly mean what I think you mean,” I said.